Hope takes center stage at Lyons trail

The Trail of Hope has been a place of reflection and remembrance since it opened in 2012.

Along the winding paths where lush flower beds and vegetables grow you’ll see spots dedicated to the memories of loved ones, some of whom found solace at the trail on the grounds of the Lyons Community Center on Manhattan Street.

With each year, it seems there is a new offering at the handicapped-accessible trail, where nursing home residents, people with disabilities, those who have lost loved ones and so many others come to commune with nature — and one another as well.

This year is no exception. This past week, trail founder and Lyons community activist Mark DeCracker held a ceremony to celebrate the Ribbon of Hope, a rock display with colors representing a number of illnesses and life challenges.